About the role#
The News team is seeking a fall intern to contribute to coverage of democracy, voting rights, and election law. You will be embedded directly into the team to gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship, and participate in professional development opportunities.
What you'll do#
- Pitch and write original stories, including breaking news and longer-form pieces.
- Assist with research, fact-checking, and interview coordination.
- Support day-to-day newsroom operations, particularly for quick-turn assignments.
- Help develop stories where additional reporting capacity is needed.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student, ideally studying journalism, political science, or a related field.
- Strong writing, reporting, and communication skills.
- Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure.
- Interest in democracy, voting rights, or election law.
Location & details#
- Term: Fall 2026 (September 15 - December 11).
- Location: On-site in Washington, District of Columbia.
- Schedule: 15-20 hours per week, with a requirement to be in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
- Compensation: $20 per hour.
About Democracy Docket
Democracy Docket is a digital news platform based in Washington, DC. Founded in 2020, the organization focuses on voting rights, election litigation, and the court system. It employs 26 people and operates as a privately held company. The platform provides analysis and reporting on legal battles related to democracy and governance.
How to get in at Democracy Docket
Applying to Democracy Docket early gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials before the applicant pile grows. Getting your application in during the first wave of submissions is often the difference between being seen and being overlooked. You can use Intern Insider to identify the specific recruiters behind these roles, which allows you to reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. Reaching out to a human contact rather than relying solely on a portal often improves your response rates. It is a simple way to stand out in a competitive field.
